Documents from the Women's Liberation Movement
An On-line Archival Collection
Special Collections Library, Duke University

DAR II (Dyke for the Second American Revolution)

Minutes from January 19,1975
(Page images are also available)

Dar II -- 11/19/75

PRESENT -- Martha, Sally, Linda, Donna, Peach, Jeanne, Sarah, Mick

Presentation on left groups: short discussion on why we should discuss left groups' positions first and then Lesbian Separatism -- why not vice versa. -- It was decided it would not make a difference either way.

Revolutionary Union (PEACHY) Document that we have isn't exactly a "position paper" but largely + clearly a position on homosexuality.  R.U. started during the Free Speech Movement in Berkely.  R.U. identifies U.S. as an imperialist country with oppressive institutions (MALE SUPREMACY).  Homosexuality is a response reaction to male supremist relations and institutions.  Lesbianism is understandable because it is a reaction by women to male supremacy -- Male homosexuality is the height of male supremacy.  Because homosexuality doesn't deal with the working class it's goals and movement is not progressive.  Also, because lesbians don't relate to men -- and men are part of the working class -- they are not dealing with class struggle.  Also, lesbians are not part of the nuclear family, which R.U. sees as vital to the working class struggle, particularly monogamy.  Also, homosexuality is an individual, personal solution because too much time and energy is put into personal relationships.  Gay Liberation is anti-working class, gay groups have held back conferences by demanding gay speakers.  ie: lesbians demading to be heard at NOW rally.

Jeanne wanted a clarification of some terms that we used so we decided to define our language.

Imperialism -- exploitation!  in order for capitalism to work, a country has to go to other countries to find new markets and resources.  One country or group exerts power over a weaker one.  A Marxist Feminist definition of imperialism -- (ie of imperialism Guatamala) We need to interpret imperialism and other terms ie: men raping women and lesbians.

Third World -- 1st and 2nd world unclear.  Third world countries are usually "non-white" (I HATE THAT TERM -- PEACHY) people's countries that are exploited against.

National Chauvinism -- the mentality of imperialism.  A cultural rationalization -- thinking you're better because you're white, Am., black? heterosexual, WASP etc.

Can black people, gay people be chauvinistic?

• Martha -- no -- chauvinism comes from economic power.
• Peachy -- agreed -- ie: feel pride with upport group but no real power (economic)
• Sally -- if can be progressive -- pride -- a cultural identity
• Sarah -- chauvinism is bad -- pride is good but when it comes into thinking you're better it's negative.

Lumpen Proletariat; Proletariat; petit bourgeoise; bourgeoise -- see Marx, Lenin.

Dialectical Materialism -- a process of history -- things change, flow, spiral.  Contradictions exist, inherent in system.  Materialism -- things on this earth of primary importance.  ie: Feudalism to capitalism; block of ice melting; scientific socialism -- reality.

Having a working class job doesn't mean you're working class -- grew up with financial security and probably still having access to it.  Background.

Is capitalism strictly an economic issue? yes-no.

Ideologies supporting capitalism -- individualism, competition, etc.

Self-Criticism -- defining terms good way to find out commonalities and differences.

• Rotating Chair agreed to.
• Shouldn't direct responses to person who asked question -- tends to make others unattentive

Next meeting 425 Clifton -- Apt 2 -- 7:30 P.M.    Sunday -- 1/26/75

Page images for this date:

• Page 8 [full size] [double size]
• Page 9 [full size] [double size]
• Page 10 [full size] [double size]

Images and texts on these web pages are intended for research and educational use only. Please read our statement on use and reproduction for further information on how to receive permission to reproduce an item or how to cite it.